A sticky, messy, gooey exploration of personhood through the life of a garden “pest”.’
What do snails and trans folks have in common? Apparently, far more than one might think.
Bi-Curious George explores that question in a genre-bending examination of identity, gender expression, sexuality, and gastropods. Part animal biology lesson, part cabaret, part spoken-word address, and part drag performance, the show is a whirlwind from start to finish. The audience is never quite able to predict what will happen next, but as the performance unfolds, the connection between creature and human experience becomes increasingly clear.
It is not a comfortable show to watch. It is sticky, grimy, and raw, yet somehow heartbreaking and hilarious in equal measure. George circles around incredibly vulnerable subjects while conveying the experience of transition, drawing a striking parallel with the snail, which must reform its own body to accommodate its shell. It is this unexpected connection between the unwanted garden intruder and the vitriol faced by trans people that ultimately lands hardest with the audience.
There is enormous potential in this work. Some technical tightening is still needed throughout the piece, along with greater confidence and comfort with the material. At times, George became a little lost in the script, but these are things that will come with time and perhaps, ironically, with growing confidence in the material itself as the show develops.
Bi-Curious George is a lighthearted show with a huge heart and, frankly, far too many snail facts. But it deserves to be shared nonetheless. If you are looking for a gritty, developing piece of theatre centred on queerness, identity, and the messy realities of transition, Bi-Curious George is your snail for the job. Much like life—and transition itself—this show will only get better with time.
Show Listing: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/bi-curious-george-snail-trail
LISTINGS INFORMATION:
Venue: Belo at Pleasance Courtyard
Dates: Aug 5th -31th (exl. 15th, 18th)
Time: 15:00 (60 mins)
Ticket prices: £15.50 / Concessions £13.50
Fringe box office: 0131 226 0000 / www.edfringe.com
Suitable for 16+